Sr. Director, Brand Communications - PEOPLE & Entertainment Weekly

About the position About The Position | Major Goals and Objectives and Location Requirements: People Inc. is seeking a Sr. Director of Brand Communications to support the PR initiatives for PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly. This role reports into the SVP of Communications and partners with executives across editorial, sales and marketing. Primary job responsibilities include but are not limited to: Accountable for leading the day to day PR initiatives for all things PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly Manage all planning strategies and tactical execution Ideate and execute innovative digital PR campaigns that align with the PEOPLE /EW brand and vision; specific emphasis and attention on digital platforms Collaborate with key stakeholders and team leader(s) for brand consistency related to messaging and visuals Develop key media partnerships to support PEOPLE/EW digital campaigns, issues, franchises, and launches Secure media coverage and identify opportunities relevant to the brand’s various digital platforms; develop scalable PR strategies for specific platforms Oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring timelines and objectives are met Work in tandem with the brands’ social media teams and platforms to enhance their digital footprint and promote PR initiatives Record and maintain PR campaign impressions and prepare reports promptly for leadership teams and stakeholders Act as day to day contact for key stakeholders for both PEOPLE and EW brands Lead a team of PR & Communications professionals and provide guidance on all aspects of the role Schedule Requirements: Hybrid 3x a week - (New York) In-office Expectations: This position is hybrid in-office, with the ability to work remotely for up to 2 days per week. About The Team | The Team and/or Brand: Our high-performing team of communication experts consistently delivers top-tier communications strategy and PR expertise in a 24/7, multi-platform (with an emphasis on digital first) ecosystem. We serve as vital connectors who drive and support all facets of our acclaimed brands PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly. These brands lead entertainment and culture, engaging millions across digital, social, app, and print channels. As trusted resources, they are deeply integrated into the daily lives of enthusiasts, empowering them to discover inspiration, make informed choices, and take action. About The Position’s Contributions: Weight % Accountabilities, Actions, and Expected Measurable Results The primary areas of strategic focus include: 80% PEOPLE 20% EW Key Responsibilities: 20% Partner with SVP communications for entertainment brands and lead a team of PR professionals acting as daily points of contact for assigned brands 20% Build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and other key stakeholders as well as internal and external stakeholders for key events, sponsorships etc 10% Oversee execution of assets: talking points, press releases, briefings, awards, events, etc. 10% Consistently operate effectively within a multi-platform ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on digital-first initiatives. 10% Collaborate across editorial, digital, events, and marketing teams to drive visibility 10% Support new business opportunities through targeted publicity strategies 10% Deepen connections in the entertainment industry 10% Ensure rapid, strategic response aligned to issues management, news cycles and brand objectives

Responsibilities

• Accountable for leading the day to day PR initiatives for all things PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly
• Manage all planning strategies and tactical execution
• Ideate and execute innovative digital PR campaigns that align with the PEOPLE /EW brand and vision; specific emphasis and attention on digital platforms
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and team leader(s) for brand consistency related to messaging and visuals
• Develop key media partnerships to support PEOPLE/EW digital campaigns, issues, franchises, and launches
• Secure media coverage and identify opportunities relevant to the brand’s various digital platforms; develop scalable PR strategies for specific platforms
• Oversee projects from conception to completion, ensuring timelines and objectives are met
• Work in tandem with the brands’ social media teams and platforms to enhance their digital footprint and promote PR initiatives
• Record and maintain PR campaign impressions and prepare reports promptly for leadership teams and stakeholders
• Act as day to day contact for key stakeholders for both PEOPLE and EW brands
• Lead a team of PR & Communications professionals and provide guidance on all aspects of the role
• Partner with SVP communications for entertainment brands and lead a team of PR professionals acting as daily points of contact for assigned brands
• Build and maintain relationships with media, influencers, and other key stakeholders as well as internal and external stakeholders for key events, sponsorships etc
• Oversee execution of assets: talking points, press releases, briefings, awards, events, etc.
• Consistently operate effectively within a multi-platform ecosystem, with a strong emphasis on digital-first initiatives.
• Collaborate across editorial, digital, events, and marketing teams to drive visibility
• Support new business opportunities through targeted publicity strategies
• Deepen connections in the entertainment industry
• Ensure rapid, strategic response aligned to issues management, news cycles and brand objectives

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Marketing, Journalism, or experience in a related field
• 12+ years in Communications or PR, ideally within Entertainment or Media industries
• Strong strategic PR and communications expertise
• Skilled at leading teams in fast-paced, news cycle, high-volume environments
• Proven experience with media relations, including celebrities and influencers
• Expert in multi-platform storytelling and cross-functional collaboration
• Excellent writing/editing skills (AP Style preferred)
• Track record of delivering high-impact media coverage
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask
• Robust digital experience
• Great team player

Nice-to-haves

• Formal leadership experience preferred

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• prescription drug coverage
• unlimited paid time off (PTO)
• adoption or surrogate assistance
• donation matching
• tuition reimbursement
• basic life insurance
• basic accidental death & dismemberment
• supplemental life insurance
• supplemental accident insurance
• commuter benefits
• short term and long term disability
• health savings and flexible spending accounts
• family care benefits
• a generous 401K savings plan with a company match program
• 10-12 paid holidays annually
• generous paid parental leave (birthing and non-birthing parents)
• voluntary benefits such as pet insurance, accident, critical and hospital indemnity health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance

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